Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Cost in India

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a new-fangled surgical methodology that consists of using a small electrode to produce a wedge in a particular region of the brain. This electrode is linked to a pulse generator—similar to a pacemaker—implanted into the chest. The most common illnesses that are treated by DBS are those that affect the individual’s movement, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and dystonia. Probably one of the major drawbacks of DBS surgery is the cost involved, despite displaying a fairly positive outcome of enhancing the quality of life for many patients.

Knowing the Cost of DBS Surgery

The cost of DBS surgery can vary widely depending on several factors:The cost of DBS surgery can vary widely depending on several factors:

Country: The prices of operations and other types of healthcare services vary from one country to another. Overall, the cost of undertaking DBS surgery is somewhat high in the developed world compared with developing countries.

Hospital and Surgeon: It is important to note that even the medical expenses of reputed hospitals and specialist neurosurgeons are higher than the average charges.

Specific Condition: It must be noted that the severity of the ailment that is being treated determines the cost plan.

Additional Procedures: If there is a need for other surgeries in addition to the DBS procedure, the general cost will go up.

Post-Operative Care: These include expenses on follow-up visits, medications, and other expenditures on subsequent physiotherapy and other courses of action.

Breakdown Of Surgical Cost For DBS 

The total cost of DBS surgery can be divided into the following components:The total cost of DBS surgery can be divided into the following components:

Preoperative Evaluation: This ranges from consultations, tests, and assessments that are done to check the suitability of a patient for DBS.

Surgical Procedure: This would refer to the costs of the surgery where the electrode and the device are inserted.

Hospital Stay: The cost of hospitalization, such as hospital room cost, nurse attendants, doctor fees, and all items used to treat the patient.

Implanted Device: These include the cost of the actual implantable device, including the electrode, battery, and programmer.

Post-Operative Care: These include follow-up appointments, medications, physiotherapy, and changes made to the DBS device.

Pricing Of DBS Operations In various countries

While it's difficult to provide exact figures due to variations in healthcare systems and currency exchange rates, here's a general overview of DBS surgery costs:

United States: DBS surgery may start at $100000 to $200000 or more, depending on the place where it is done and numerous other factors.

Europe: This makes the costs in the range of €50,000 to €100,000, depending on the country involved.

India: DBS surgery is comparatively cheaper in India than in most of the western world, ranging between $ 8000 and $15000.

It is important to note that the amounts stated here are approximate and that actual costs could deviate greatly.

Deep Brain Stimulation In India

It is a highly effective Neurosurgery therapy that is commonly used as the final resort for neurological disorders and has dramatic positive impacts on the quality of life for the affected patients. This procedure has in the past yielded very impressive results, but the financial implications are quite a worry. This section will look specifically at the costs of performing DBS surgery in India, which, like many nations in the South Asian region, boasts of comparatively cheap but quality treatment.

Thus, India has become one of the leading countries in medical tourism, especially regarding invasive interventions such as DBS. The country is home to premiere health facilities and experts, including neurosurgeons, thus providing affordable, quality solutions.

India, especially Delhi, has fast become a preferred destination for DBS surgeries. Some of the large hospitals within Delhi provide complex DBS surgeries, which are preferred by both  local and foreign patients.

Here is detailed information regarding the cost of DBS surgery in India.

Earlier, there was a mention of the fact that the expenses for DBS surgery in India are relatively lower than in developed countries. Again, exact costs could depend on the hospital, the surgeon, and other features; however, DBS surgery cost in India varies between $ 8000 and $ 15000. This includes the surgery, the implant inserted, the hospital stay, and the first checkups after the operation.

Note: It should be remembered that the cost mentioned here is considered approximate, as the expenses can differ. Case difficulty, selected business’, type of hospital, and adjunct procedures can also be decisive for the final price.

Selecting India For DBS Surgery

Apart from the cost benefits, India offers several advantages for patients considering DBS surgery:Apart from the cost benefits, India offers several advantages for patients considering DBS surgery:

Skilled Neurosurgeons: DBS is well practiced in India and has an adequate number of well-trained neurosurgeons with copious experience in the field.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: A majority of the hospitals in India offer technologically adequate and optimally facilitated setups for DBS surgeries.

Affordable Accommodation: The candidates might find that accommodation facilities in India are cheaper than in many developed countries of the West, which keeps the overall cost of treatment down.

Medical Tourism: Many companies that specialize in supplying medical tourism services provide packages for visas, travel, and accommodations for patients.
Thus, by choosing DBS surgery in India, patients can receive the necessary treatment at affordable prices compared to the conditions in other countries. However, extensive research must be done for the selection of the best hospital and surgeon.

Conclusion

One cannot doubt that DBS surgery is a rather costly procedure. But you need to know the gains that can be expected from the surgery compared to the losses. For many patients, DBS is extremely helpful in improving their quality of life as well as independence, which often comes when people are no longer bound by the effects of diagnosed conditions. It is essential to know all the possibilities and consult your financial capacity if you are thinking about DBS surgery.

FAQs

Q1: What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
A: DBS is a surgical procedure where expert neurosurgeons implant a device in the brain to treat and manage the symptoms of certain neurological disorders.

Q2: What conditions can be treated with DBS?
A:DBS is one of the methods used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

Q3: How does DBS work?
A:In this procedure, a small electrode is implanted in the brain and then connected to a device that is implanted in the chest. The device sends electrical signals to the brain to regulate abnormal brain activity.

Q4: How much does DBS surgery cost?
A:The cost of DBS surgery depends on various factors, like the country, hospital, surgeon, and specific condition being treated.

Q5: Is DBS surgery available in India?
A: Yes, it is available in India and at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries.

Q6: Are there any risks associated with DBS surgery?
A:Like any other surgery, DBS also has certain risks, including infection, bleeding, and device-related complications.

Q7: How long does a DBS device last?
A: DBS devices typically last for several years and may need to be replaced eventually.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | August 01, 2024 | 9 Min Read